Old vs new: what smartphone would you buy?

0.phoneArena
13 Feb 2013, 07:19posted on

Each time someone asks us what phone they should get, the very same conflict arises: would it be better to buy a high-end smartphone model from last year, or settle with a new mid-range model? Well, giving a universal answer to that is a challenge since there are several pretty solid arguments in favor of either choice...

i prefer a newer version with the latest software ...not saying old versions are bad ,but when you got a choice , its always better to have the latest .....kind of like chosing between a old 3 series and a new 3 series bmw ...

Cars would be a different thing...they become vintage after years.
While 'Old is gold' indeed...i won't advice friends to buy something that came out 10 months ago. The rate at which mobile phones improve their insides and outsides, a mid ranger now will, almost, likely be able to hit the mark of a year old high-end device...and that with the latest OS, in this case i'm talking about Androids.

I'd like a sturdy Android phone manufactured by Nokia with A Pure View cam, with waterproof features like Sony's Xperia, with a huge Motorola's battery, and with Samsung's quick updates and great support.

considering I'm on a very tight budget, I will always look a smartphones that are not brand new, but less than a year old, with Specs that are relatively "future proof". I upgrade in July, so my target phones would be those that came out October 2012 or later. If I went by specs alone, the HTC DNA and the Samsung Note 2 far and away gives me the most bang for my buck. the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD is a distant third, but it is still definately on my list. Battery life is big for me, so the Note 2, based on my criteria, is tops on my list. The DNA gets negative marks due to lack of micro SD support, and questionable battery life, compared to the other two.

i have samsung galaxy nexus - old (2011) but god damn gold !! - cheap without contract, the most recent updates (even updates that some of the most recent high edge smartphones don't have), and all the new technologies that one user need (LTE(optional) and NFC for example) !! no doubt the best offer !! :)))

Well, it all depends on the needs of each one. We must remember that not everyone can just get the latest flashgrip that comes out. I have pals that still use Samsung Galaxy I9000 & are very happy with it.

It's a matter of need & money.

I'm a hard player in this as recently I got myself a Note2 & Xperia Z but also have the S2,S3,S2 HD-LTE SHV-120L & the original Note (I need to sell the old units) hahaha
But the oldies are still goodies.

I try grooming my constituents in keeping the mindset that today's mobile devices are the new PC era. It is important to purchase a device that has the most features that they can afford. Signing a two year jail sentence with a carrier, means that most individuals are stuck with their devices until then. Having a device with the utmost latest features(even if not fully mainstream), ensures that they will grow into the technology.

If you can buy an older phone that still has 1GB of ram, dual core processor, and good screen, you can probably throw on a rom(I have JB on my Dinc2) and last for another 6 months to a year. I say this because right now, there aren't any new phones I would jump on. However there may be in the future. the Moto X phone and the HTC One are catching my attention.

20.lovefist (unregistered)

Well I bought gs2 last august 2012 and paid less than half of the full price when it was released. During that time only xperia s came close. But still got gs2, didnt bother with new shiny mid rangers of 2012 coz thier prices just aint worth it compared to this... One s, xperia p, lg 4x hd, gs3 mini (god that was ugly).

Some older flagships or high end devices have sometimes better specs and features, like note and SII, they will be updated to 4.1 with the latest features that their newer brother the SII and Note II has, that some latest mid-ranger don't have, if you want the last years greatest check their brand if their device support is good, for me personally stay away from LG and HTC they rarely update they devices, atleast sony for now is support legacy devices though mostly late but better late than never, I have a friend that has a HTC sensation XE she is not quite a techy person until now she is stuck with Gingerbread, she said her only option is rooting the device but unfortunately she does't know how and she is afriad to do it....

In addition, golden oldies also tend to have outstanding accessory support from relevant companies, plus a huge software dev(ROMs/tweaks) community, which is usually entirely absent in new, mid-ranged phones.

I just upgraded to a new "old" phone. I got the Epic Touch for free by resigning my contract with Sprint (though I really wanted the Note 2 or the Optimus G). So far I'm happy with it and cannot wait to get Jelly Bean on it. I'm really thinking that it should be a good device to have for the next 2yrs, unless I can get a good paying job and something comes out that I just have to have.

I just got the Acro S, and I have to say that I am impressed. I come from a Motorola Atrix (first one) and then I had the Samsung Galaxy S 3 for a few month before it was stolen from me... So not having enough for another flagship, Sony cached my attention. This weekend that past, I extensively tested the waterproof capabilities and camera.

The screen is beautiful and camera is great for outdoor. Not so good for low light. I do not miss the SGS3, except for some software features.. but even so, this phone is awesome.

Get it in black, and if you intent to use it as camera, I recommend putting a strap on.

I'd have to go with mid range new. The s3 mini vs the s2 is a good example. The s2 is struggling with software updates while the s3 mini is on 4.1.2 and nature ui with smart call etc. Both have the same processor spec but the s3 has the edge. The s3 mini can be got for 250 bucks off contract in a lot of places

I have been searching for a low-cost smart-ish phone, that could do copy-paste and can do multi-tasking, with hardware qwerty. Although I am ready to let go of qwerty for the good price and good look of device to go all touch-screen.

In my last 3 attempts I always found myself narrow down to Nokia 5530 (going through almost all the brands including older Black Berries). On 2nd I really like how Nokia Asha 303 feels but now I also like Asha 310. It is not available but maybe I will take that. If not Nokia 5530 is still on my top list, simply because it is a proper smartphone and it is available in half the price of Asha 303.

Are they considering going to their provider and buying a new GS2 at a good deal and be locked into that for 2 years?

In the scenario where they are buying the phone NEW, I ALWAYS recommend people buy the latest hardware. It just makes sense from a support sense.. better chance for updates, compatibility.. etc. Of course if they can only afford $99 then it's pointless to push a $200-300 phone. If it's not really a money thing, I tell people to buy what they want because over 2 years, $100 isn't that much.

The biggest thing I have against the older phones is battery. The newer phones are slowly getting better and better. I tell eveyrone I can to RUN out and get a Note 2.. for the battery alone. It's amazing!

my 2 girls are clamoring for a smart phone.. if I relent and get them one, I would probably consider a GS2 or Moto Maxx.. Just say no to iPhones - too expensive used for what you get.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus just last week, happiest I've ever been with a phone. It has pretty decent hardware and the latest software. What else could you want without getting the absolute latest and greatest?

I am really confused to choose between old and new one...
In case if we take S2 and S3 mini...
S2 has better quality and best dev support...S3 mini has brand new touchwiz nature UX...
What to choose???

And if u need more then,
- jelly bean will be rolling out to galaxy s2 somehere in March or April
with the new nature UX
- lower price
- as u pointed out better dev support
- (if u are a fan of) more options for phone cases and covers

I got my lady a Samsung Galaxy S2 over the Christmas holiday. S2 still holds itself pretty well, it was a high end phone and after all this time it could still keep itself in the game with most mid level phones.

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